1. Chest Radiography 🫁

PA (Posteroanterior)

Patient faces IR (image receptor)
Shoulders rotated forward
72" SID (Source-Image Distance)
Full inspiration
Heart appears normal size

AP (Anteroposterior)

Patient faces tube (supine/mobile)
40" SID typically
Heart appears magnified
Used for bedridden patients

2. Upper Extremity Positioning 💪

Hand (PA, Oblique, Lateral)

Fingers spread, palm down (PA). 45° rotation (oblique).

Wrist (PA, Lateral, Scaphoid View)

Scaphoid: PA with ulnar deviation to elongate scaphoid bone.

Elbow (AP, Lateral)

AP: Full extension. Lateral: 90° flexion.

Shoulder (AP Internal/External Rotation)

Internal: Lesser tubercle profile. External: Greater tubercle profile.

3. Lower Extremity Positioning 🦵

Knee (AP, Lateral)

AP: Leg extended. Lateral: 20-30° flexion.

Ankle (AP, Lateral, Mortise)

Mortise: 15-20° internal rotation to open joint space.

Foot (AP, Lateral, Oblique)

AP: Dorsiflexed. Oblique: 30-40° medial rotation.

Hip (AP, Frog-leg Lateral)

Frog-leg: Knee flexed, thigh abducted 40-45°.

4. Spine Positioning 🦴

Cervical Spine (AP, Lateral, Open Mouth)

Open Mouth (Odontoid): C1-C2 visualization through open mouth.

Thoracic Spine (AP, Lateral)

Lateral: Breathing technique for ribs, no breathing for vertebrae.

Lumbar Spine (AP, Lateral, Oblique)

Oblique: 45° for "Scotty Dog" appearance (pars interarticularis).

💡 Positioning Mnemonics

✓ Scotty Dog: Nose=Transverse process, Eye=Pedicle, Ear=Superior articular process, Neck=Pars, Front leg=Inferior articular process
✓ Minimum 2 views at 90° angles for fractures
✓ Always include joint above and below for long bones

Positioning & Procedures